A comprehensive database of the sugar amounts in soft drinks, energy drinks, coffee, and tea beverages.
Where the sugar level is zero – the product may be sweetened with an artificial sweetener (such as aspartame, Splenda, acesulfame potassium, or stevia).
Sugar Levels Are Dropping
Since this list was first created in 2005, sugar levels have been coming down. Almost all beverage manufacturers have been reformulating drinks to have less sugar.
Some drinks and juices have as much sugar as several Snickers candy bars and are definitely contributing to the obesity and type 2 diabetes crisis the western world is experiencing.
In response, most manufacturers have created zero sugar alternatives which are proving very popular (such as Monster Ultra).
Sugar Health Concerns
It is estimated that the average American consumes around 150 pounds of refined sugars a year. src.
Too much refined sugar in the diet is linked to many adverse health conditions. The American Heart Association tells consumers to have no more than 6 teaspoons or 24 grams (women) or 9 teaspoons or 36 grams (men) of refined sugars each day.
Since many are having 4 times that amount, they are also reaping the health consequences of consuming too much sugar in drinks and other foods. Some of those include:
- Obesity
- Type 2 Diabetes
- Heart disease
- Cancer
- Gum Disease
- Tooth decay
- Shorter lifespan*
- Early Puberty in Girls**
Americans may be starting to get the message about the dangers of sugar consumption. A recent study found that it is actually on the decrease for the first time in many decades.
Americans consumed 16.8% of their calories from refined sugars between 1999-2004, but between 2005-2010 this amount decreased to 14.9%. (Reducing sugar as well as overall calories consumed daily is accredited with positive health outcomes.)
This also corresponds to the decline in soda sales over the same time period. Hopefully, people are getting the “less sugar is better” message and consuming drinks with less sugar and more plain water.
Another study out of Macquarie University showed that sugar and caffeine when combined and fed to rats, produced lasting changes to brain chemistry. This could allude to how sugary sodas and energy drinks could possibly affect human brains.
The USDA’s Dietary Guidelines recommend the following concerning sugary beverages:
- Remove all sugary drinks from schools across the nation.
- Establish a separate category for “added sugars” on food and drink nutrition labels.
- Since there is substantial evidence that sugary beverages contribute to type 2 diabetes and therefore should greatly be reduced from Americans’ diets.
*Researchers from the the University of California in San Francisco found that those who drink just 20 fl oz of sugary soda a day may take as much as 4 years off of their lifespan. Not only do soft drinks contribute to disease, but they also shorten telomeres, which are the areas on our genes responsible for aging.
A 2015 study from The Harvard School of Public Health looked at the health effects of high-fructose corn syrup and sugar-sweetened soft drinks. They analyzed much of the research to date and found that 1 to 2 sugary beverages a day can lead to:
- As high as a 26 percent greater risk of developing type 2 diabetes,
- A 35 percent greater risk of heart attack or fatal heart disease, and
- A 16 percent increased risk of stroke.
In addition, a CDC study that showed that two-thirds of all kids living in the US consume at least one sugary beverage daily. On average, boys consume 164 calories from sugary drinks each day and girls consume 121 calories daily from sugar-rich beverages.
What You Need to Know
Why is so much sugar placed in drinks?
- Caffeine is bitter. Most people address this by adding sugar to caffeinated beverages.
- Straight coffee (no milk, no sugar) is zero-calorie and sugar-free, but bitter so it is sweetened to improve flavor.
- Energy Drinks contain lots of sugar, particularly those that are juice/soda combinations.
- Some of the most popular 16 fl oz energy drinks contains around 40-55 grams of sugar. This is about 8-11 teaspoons of sugar.
Last Updated on October 4, 2022 by
If you’re wondering whether Sprite is better for you than Coke, the answer is a little complicated. It depends on what you’re looking for.
Sprite is a clear soda, and contains fewer calories than Coke. However, it also has less sugar. So if you’re trying to cut back on sugar, Sprite may be a better choice.
Coke is a dark soda, and contains more calories than Sprite. However, it also has more sugar. So if you’re looking for a sweeter drink, Coke may be the better choice.
It’s really up to you which one you choose. If you’re trying to watch your calorie intake, Sprite is probably the better option. But if you’re looking for a sweet treat, Coke is probably your best bet.
- Is Sprite And Coke The Same?
- Sprite vs Coke – History
- Sprite vs Coke – Ingredients
- Sprite vs Coke – Nutritional Values
- Is Sprite the Healthiest Soda?
- Why Is Sprite So Good?
- What Is the Healthiest Soft Drink?
- Is Sprite Good for Diabetics?
- What Is a Healthy Alternative to Soda?
- What Happens if We Drink Sprite Daily?
- Conclusion
Is Sprite And Coke The Same?
No, Sprite is not the same as Coke. Sprite is a lemon-lime flavored soda while Coke is a cola. While they are both carbonated soft drinks, they have different origins, ingredients, and nutritional values.
Sprite is a product of The Coca-Cola Company while Coke is a product of the Coca-Cola Corporation. Sprite was first introduced in 1961 as a response to 7 Up. The Coca-Cola Company wanted to create a lemon-lime drink that would compete with 7 Up.
Sprite vs Coke – History
Coke is a cola that was first introduced in 1886 by John Pemberton. It was originally sold as a patent medicine for headaches and pain. Coke was bought out by Asa Candler in 1889 and eventually became the most popular soft drink in the world.
Sprite is a lemon-lime flavored soft drink that was first introduced by The Coca-Cola Company in 1961.
Sprite vs Coke – Ingredients
Coke is made with carbonated water, sugar, caramel color, caffeine, phosphoric acid, and natural flavors.
Sprite is made with carbonated water, sugar, citric acid, natural flavors, and sodium citrate.
Sprite vs Coke – Nutritional Values
A 12 oz can of Coke has 140 calories, 39 grams of sugar, and 35 mg of sodium.
A 12 oz can of Sprite has 140 calories, 38 grams of sugar, and 65 mg of sodium.
Sprite is lower in sugar than Coke but higher in sodium. Both drinks are high in calories and sugar.
Is Sprite the Healthiest Soda?
No, Sprite is not the healthiest soda. While it is lower in sugar than Coke, it is still high in calories and sugar. It is also high in sodium. If you are looking for a healthier alternative to soda, try water or unsweetened iced tea.
Why Is Sprite So Good?
Sprite is a refreshing and crisp soda. It is also less sweet than Coke, which makes it easier to drink. Sprite is also vegan and does not contain any animal products.
What Is the Healthiest Soft Drink?
The healthiest soft drink is water. It is calorie-free, sugar-free, and sodium-free. It is also the best way to stay hydrated. If you are looking for a healthier alternative to soda, try unsweetened iced tea or seltzer water.
Tea or coffee without sugar is also a healthy option.
Is Sprite Good for Diabetics?
No, Sprite is not a good drink for diabetics. It is high in sugar and calories. If you are looking for a diabetes-friendly beverage, try unsweetened iced tea or seltzer water. Tea or coffee without sugar is also a good option.
What Is a Healthy Alternative to Soda?
Here are some healthy alternatives to soda [1]:
- Water
- Unsweetened iced tea
- Seltzer water
- Tea or coffee without sugar
- 100% fruit juice
- Vegetable juice
- Sugar-free Cola
- Tonic water
- Diet soda
These drinks are lower in sugar and calories than soda and can help you stay hydrated.
What Happens if We Drink Sprite Daily?
Drinking Sprite daily is not recommended. It is high in sugar and calories and can contribute to weight gain. It is also high in sodium, which can be harmful to your health. If you are looking for a healthier alternative to soda, try water or unsweetened iced tea.
Conclusion
Sprite is a refreshing and crisp soda. It is lower in sugar than Coke but higher in sodium. Both drinks are high in calories and sugar. If you are looking for a healthier alternative to soda, try water or unsweetened iced tea. Tea or coffee without sugar is also a healthy option.
Reference:
- //www.bhf.org.uk/informationsupport/heart-matters-magazine/nutrition/sugar-salt-and-fat/sugary-drinks/soft-drinks-best-to-worst
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Lauren Beck is a Food Science & Technology graduate, born and raised in NYC, but lived in Japan for more than eight years. Her love forAmerican food and Japanese culture led her to create Kitsune Restaurant. She loves taking walks with her dog - an American Akita she aptly named Hachiko. Learn more about us here or you can email us [email protected].